Kasaragod: In the wake of the recent communal flare up over the brutal murder of a Madrasa teacher and provocative statements, a cultural fraternity is organising ‘Friends square’, a cultural event calling for peace and harmony. The programme being organised by ‘Souhradam Kasargod’ will be held at Kasargod New bus stand premises at 5 pm on April 5. “The programme is aimed at the solidarity of cultural Kerala and for the harmony of Kasargod,” said Shafeeq Nasarullah, general convenor of Souhradam Kasargod. The square envisions creating cultural resistance against communal polarization.
A street play, painting on a huge canvas, various children’s programmes and cultural meet will be held that day. The organizers said that noted writers, intellectuals, cultural figures and elected representatives would attend the function besides religious representatives. The collective was formed last October following a series of incidents which affected the communal harmony of the region. “A number of persons from various strata of society put their heads together and said that art was the best remedy for communal ill-feelings. Thus the fraternity was formed, to appeal to maintain peace and say a firm NO to hate mongers who interfere in trivial issues leading to communal clashes,” elaborated Mr Nasarullah. The recent incident was the brutal murder of Riyas Moulavi, a Madrasa teacher in Choori and the subsequent arrest of three. The issue has sparked off communal unrest in the area and police is on their toes to avert any untoward incident.
